Scope and arrangement
The Anthony J. Griffin Papers are composed of 11 principal series: correspondence, 1885-1935; Legal Records, 1885-1930; Writings, 1887-1935; Diaries, 1886-1930; Notes and Notebooks, 1883-1934; Military and Patent Records; Political Papers; Financial Records; Personal Memorabilia; Graphic Materials; and Printed Matter. The correspondence is largely related to Griffin's political activities: a significant portion of the material relates to his election and re-election campaigns - meetings with constituents, arrangements for speeches, events, and election paraphernalia (buttons, banners, etc.). The remainder of the correspondence addresses his legislative and political concerns, such as compulsory arbitration in labor disputes, monetary and tax policy, immigration law, the repeal of the Volstead Act (Prohibition), and the "Red Scare" of the 1920s. There are also many letters from constituents needing aid in immigration matters, as well as some personal correspondence. Correspondents include William Jennings Bryan, John Nance Garner, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Rosika Schwimmer.
The Legal Papers include case files, estate files and title abstracts (a separate list is appended to this accession record). Griffin's Writings consist of manuscript and typescript drafts of unpublished poems, plays and stories, and manuscript and typescript versions and galley proofs of his self-published epic poem Chaos. The Diaries and Notes and Notebooks include Griffin's observations on many subjects, both personal and related to his professional activities, in addition to subject files on topics relevant his legislative concerns and a card file of correspondents for the 1930 Congressional session. The Military and Patent Records concern his military service, and endeavors in submarine safety (separate listing appended); the Political Papers are a combination of printed matter, notes and memoranda (separate listing appended). Griffin's Financial Records are his accounts from 1887 to 1934.
The Personal Memorabilia includes his drafting tools from his student days, a special Congressional Passport, calling cards, invitations and menus, while the Graphic Materials include personal photographs, negatives, prints, the original paintings used to illustrate Chaos, and several maps. Finally, the Printed Matter includes reprints, government manuals, and clippings.
Arrangement
Eleven series: I. Correspondence, 1885-1935; II. Legal Records, 1885-1930; III. Writings, 1887-1935; IV. Diaries, 1886-1930; V. Notes and Notebooks, 1883-1934; VI. Military and Patent Records; VII. Political Papers; VIII. Financial Records; IX. Personal Memorabilia; X. Graphic Materials; XI. Printed Matter